Restoration of Centennial Creek a demonstration for watershed management
The Centennial Creek Restoration Project restored and stabilized 400 feet of Centennial Creek. Photo by Jackie Iddings.
–The City of Paso Robles and the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District (US-LT RCD) held a public tour Thursday afternoon to showcase a joint watershed management project. The Centennial Creek Restoration Project restored and stabilized 400 feet of Centennial Creek that is located at the end of Lana Street in Paso Robles.
This section of the creek has been severely eroded due to years of water runoff channeling into the creek from Creston Road and from the paved walkway that connects Lana St. To Navajo Avenue. Centennial Creek is a tributary for the Salinas River. The erosion contributes to flooding along the Centennial Creek corridor. When the creek is running full, as is expected for the upcoming El Nino rains, sediments, uprooted vegetation, as well as fallen tree branches flow onto the creek’s floodplain and into the Salinas River.
The project cleared and widened a key section of the creek where the water runoff collects. A re-vegetation project by the California Conservation Corp (CCC) is starting in the next few days. Hundreds of Native California riparian plants will be planted in and around the improved creek area. Riparian plants grow in and around water and help control erosion, keep water clean, and aid the soil in returning surface water to the underground aquifer.
Concrete lined side-channel causing erosion and incision of the stream channel.
Executive Director Devin Best from US-LT RCD led the tour of the project. Best said that the restoration work is a collaborative endeavor. “The work to restore Centennial Creek is a partnership with the City of Paso Robles, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Pacific Gas and Electric, Natural Resource Conservation Services and the California Conservation Corps. The restoration work will result in improved watershed function and provide an opportunity for community members who walk along the parkway to enjoy a restored portion of the stream.”
The project is expected to be completed in early November when the CCC has finished planting. Informative signs will be installed along the creek banks describing the project and the benefits.
David LaCaro, Stormwater Manager with the City of Paso Robles, worked closely with US-LT RCD. LaCaro stated the Centennial Creek project is important both from environmental and municipal public works aspects. Both LaCaro and Best are looking forward to more joint projects. The Centennial Creek Restoration Project is a demonstration site that serves as a model for flood and erosion management on the Central Coast.
The US-LT RCD provides technical assistance, education and resources to help agricultural, rural and urban communities preserve needed natural elements while supporting robust land productivity.
They are also conducting a rain barrel rebate program for residents of Paso Robles neighborhoods. Residents are reimburse up to $75 upon presenting a receipt for the purchase of rain barrels.
For more information about the rain barrel rebate program and other programs, visit the website: www.us-ltrcd.org, or call (805) 434-0396.
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